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James Daniel Hatt

Fri, 2014-05-02 00:11News Staff

James Daniel Hatt passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home on April 21, 2014, at the age of 60. He was a native of Buffalo, New York, but grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada before moving to Metairie, Louisiana in September 2001. He was the eldest son of three boys born to James Bernard Hatt and Lillian Roebuck Hatt. For over 30 years, Jim worked as an auto dismantler at different auto salvage yards. Following a long family tradition, he was a stock car driver and driving the car number 01, Jim won many races. After moving to Metairie, he turned his hobby of wood working into a career and worked for a general contractor in the Uptown New Orleans area. Jim found his special place in the life of Carnival by driving the tractor in many New Orleans parades. He liked to say he got the same thrill as His Majesty when the float made the turn from St. Charles onto Canal, and he was known to say, "There is no vantage point like mine, plus I get my fair share of beads and throws, and see all the pretty girls up close!" One of Jim's favorite pastimes was to grill for his family and friends. Most nights of the week you could find him at his grill, cooking up whatever the crowd asked for. Jim is survived by his loving wife of almost 39 years, Jan; daughter Tammy Lynn Hatt Fisse and her husband, Trey; and loving "Papa" to granddaughters, Kaelin Jodi Fisse and Harper Catherine Fisse. He also leaves behind brothers Tim and his wife Teri of Jordan, New York, and Brian of St. Catharines, and a host of brothers and sisters in law and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Lillian Hatt and, his and Jan's adored daughter, Jodie Lee Hatt. Jim lived life fully, loved his family and friends. He was a loyal friend to many; the friend everybody wants to have, but few ever do. A celebration of Jim's life was held Friday, April 25, 2014, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home by a Celebration of Life service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children's Hospital.